Cross Breeds - What breed of small dogs are best for a family?

What breed of small dogs are best for a family?

I've been considering getting a family dog for the last couple of months. We currently have 3 children and would like a small dog. I thought about getting a pug, but after doing more research, I realized that they can have serious medical problems in the future. We would prefer to have one that didn't require trips to a groomer either. What other small dogs are good family pets? Thank you.

Public Comments

Daschund, Shih Tzu, Rat Terrier, Jack Russell.
I got my dog Lilly when I was eight years old. She's a beagle, and she's been an amazing dog. I am eighteen years old now and she's still by my side. We never have to take her to the groomers because she's short haired, she hasn't had any health problems except for having an absest tooth once. She's always been sweet, and caring, even when I cry she is right there and acts very sympathetic. She is great with all kids, she loves to play but knows when enough is enough. So I do recommend a beagle if you'd like a small dog who doesn't have expensive medical bills.
well the best dog to get with a family is a wheaten terrier. It isn't small small but its medium to small. The love you will get out of these dogs will absolutely amaze you. I remember when i was younger and our family getting our first wheaten. The dog is absolutely amazing. The kisses and cuddling this dog gives is fantastic. As a puppy they are mellow but playful and excited. If you see the dog with its mouth open its trying to lick. Just put peanut butter on your face and the dog will learn to lick instead of mouth. Also they don't shed. Huge plus!
Poodles are very intelligent and highly trainable. As health problems go, your best bet would be a mutt. I don't know exactly why it is, but mutts (dog pound variety), being that they are a mixture of the strongest traits of various dogs (strong, because they survived long enough to be mutts having more mutts), have good track records for being strong and healthy. You can find a breed that you like that might have something else mixed in, by checking out different breed rescue groups in your area... like poodle rescue, basset rescue, etc.
Small dogs aren't really good for children, as the kids can get too rough and hurt the dog. Try a hardier breed, a terrier of some sort depending on your kids' energy level. If you do want a smaller dog, a Jack Russel Terrier would be great- the ones I have met are great with kids, can meet their energy level, and are very hardy and healthy. Not to mention they're super easy to train and my cousin's JRT takes some pretty hard core playing and isn't mouthy at all.
Well I used to have a silky terrier from the shelter. He was a great little guy. MJ was his name. Check your local shelter for smaller dogs. What I suggest NOT to get is a Jack Russel Terrier. Don't get me wrong. My dad owns some and I love them to bits but they don't always make the best "family pet." Like I said- shelter. But don't be fooled by the cute faces. My mom adopted a American Eskimo dog from their (gorgeous little thing YES WE DID OUR HOMEWORK!) named Princess from the Humane Society. She hates everyone except for me. I am the Princess she is my little foo foo dog. Anyway Happy days to you and your furry friend! :)
Not too sure. I've had mixed chihuahuas all my life. They don't shed too much because they have real short fur. Most dogs love children. Make sure you get the dog as a puppy if your worried the breed doesn't enjoy being around kids. By the time the dog grows up they'll be used to any mistreating from your kids. Not being rude or anything, but kids have trouble understanding how fragile puppies are. And a small dog is a good idea if your children are small. I've seen dogs knock over babies just with their tails. Another thing. All dogs have medical problems. It's hard too avoid it. Animal Planet helped me choose. Going to there website may help as well. They have a show just for people like you who are trying to pick out a dog.
i have two yorkie-poos they are nice because they dont shed are great with kids and are smart
coton de tuleur dachsand cavapoo shih tzu yorkshire terrier maltese boston terrier west highland white terrier havanese welsh terrier chinese crested minature schnauzer norfolk terrier I WOULD RECOMMENED THE SITE (puppyfind.com) and you can look up all of these puppies. amd you can go to dogs 101 website and they may have videos of these dogs
Jack Russell, Bichon Frise, Beagle, or a Westie
I have owned many dogs in my life. Both pedigree & mutts. Beagles are great with children & are very SWEET dogs-However they shed. Out of all my dog Breeds i would suggest a schnoodle. This is my newest dog. Not only are they smart they are so adorable.They are a hybrid mix between a poodle & schnauzer. Mine is a little guy 13lbs. but wow can he jump high. Thats the Poodle in him. He looks like Toto from the wizzard of Oz only cuter. I named him OZZIE OZ.I do not believe he would EVER EVER bite. These dogs are extremely friendly with not only people but all other animals as well. As for the grooming,I just take a sissor & start cutting. There's no way you can mess it up because he looks best when his hair goes wild in my opinion. He goes to the groomer once a year to get shaved due to the summer heat.Oh & best of all nooooooooooo SHEDDING.
I have a Boykin Spaniel and he is great with the whole family. He is a good all around dog. He is not small, but he isn't big either. Sometimes medium-big sized dogs are better with kids.
I would advise taking all the kids down to your local shelter and picking out a dog or puppy together. The shelter staff can guide you in picking out a dog that will suit your family and won't grow to be too large. If you have a Humane Society near you that would be a good place to visit. One thing I must warn you of though, if you get a puppy, it is likely that your kids aren't going to like it as much as you'd expect for the first few months home -- until pup is at least 6-7 months old. The reason being that puppies bite A LOT, and they have sharp, needle-like puppy teeth that can easily put holes in clothing AND skin. So many people get puppies thinking that it will be great for the kids, and it is... once the dog is grown. :) Raising a puppy is not easy, and doing it with kids is even tougher. Just something to think about! I'd highly recommend this website to read BEFORE you get a puppy: http://www.dogstardaily.com/training/your-education-about-puppy-education
Shih Tzu, Jack russel terrier, west high land terrier, Yorkie, Poodle, pug,
American Lo-Sze Pugg